Which of the following is NOT a requirement for breach notification under the HITECH Act?

The requirement for breach notification under the HITECH Act emphasizes the importance of timely, individual notifications to affected individuals and, in certain situations, the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) and the media. However, while local media announcements can be a method of reporting a widespread breach, they are not a mandated requirement for breach notification.

The HITECH Act mandates that individuals whose protected health information (PHI) has been compromised must receive notifications within a reasonable timeframe, demonstrating the urgency of keeping individuals informed. Additionally, having a communication plan can be an excellent best practice for organizations to manage and prepare for potential breaches, ensuring that protocols are in place to handle notifications effectively. However, public announcements in local media are only required under specific circumstances, particularly when the breach affects a large number of individuals, and are not considered a standard requirement for breach notifications. This distinction highlights why public announcements are not classified as a necessary element under the HITECH Act regulations.